The tale of Genji
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"The tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu is a classic work of Japanese literature written in the early 11th century. Often considered the world's first novel, it depicts the lives of high courtiers during the Heian period. The story follows Hikaru Genji, the emperor's son demoted to commoner status, through his romantic encounters and later years.
Summary from Project Gutenberg.
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Topics: Aristocracy (Social class) -- Japan -- Fiction · Hikaru Genji (Fictitious character) -- Fiction · Japan -- Court and courtiers -- Fiction · Japan -- Social life and customs -- To 1600 -- Fiction · Japanese fiction -- To 1600 -- Translations into English · Man-woman relationships -- Fiction
